INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY
CONDUCT CODE FOR THE
USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This policy applies to all data, voice, video systems and networks (including hardware, software, and data) owned or operated by Mercyhurst College as well as to outside systems and networks to which Mercyhurst College is connected. The systems range from multi-user systems to single-user devices such as computers and telephones, whether freestanding or connected to networks.
The information technology systems and networks at Mercyhurst College are intended to be used in a manner that supports the educational mission of the College and is conducive to the overall academic climate. Because electronic information is easily reproduced, respect for authorial integrity is essential. Violations of integrity, such as plagiarism, unauthorized access, copyright violations and invasion of privacy, will not be tolerated.
ACCOUNTS AND PASSWORDS
Mercyhurst College creates accounts on its systems for current employees and currently registered students. To be granted the use of an account, users must agree to abide by the rules and regulations related to appropriate, legal, and ethical use of Mercyhurst College systems and networks.
Students and employees are assigned an individual login ID or authorization code and must not share that access code or password with any other person. Users are responsible for any and all usage of their assigned IDs on the systems or networks. Passwords should be changed regularly.
ACCEPTABLE USE
Mercyhurst College systems and networks are vital to the programs of instruction, research, and administration of the College; therefore, a framework of responsible, considerate and ethical behavior applies to use of campus computers, network resources, and access through the College resources to other networks. Since users in fact represent Mercyhurst College, they are expected to apply standards of normal academic and professional ethics and considerate conduct in the economical use of all Mercyhurst College systems and resources. In addition, users are expected to be aware that their use of the systems and networks is subject to all applicable College regulations, Internet regulations, and federal, local, and international laws.
Users are prohibited from using systems and networks to conduct various activities including, but not limited to, the following:
Access or use without explicit authorization accounts, information, systems or networks at Mercyhurst or at other sites accessible from Mercyhurst’s networks;
Interfering with or disrupting network users, service or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, personal or non-academic uses which negatively impact academic use, and use of the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machines accessible via the network;
Inspect, copy, transmit, distribute or disclose any proprietary or confidential information or data, including that pertaining to Mercyhurst’s students, employees, vendors, donors, and alumni; this applies to both print and electronic formats;
Copy or distribute or transmit intellectual property without explicit permission of the owner. Intellectual property includes text, video, audio, software programs, and data; create, access, copy, transmit or distribute obscene or pornographic materials or materials contrary to the College’s mission and vision;
Harass, threaten, stalk, or abuse others;
Conduct business unrelated to the College or excessive use of resources for personal reasons; such use includes, but is not limited to sending stored personal files on computer systems; printing output for personal projects without permission; using College-owned computers for extended periods to send personal e-mail or to browse the Web.
Because materials posted or transmitted on the Internet are identified as coming from Mercyhurst College computer systems, any unofficial material such as student or faculty Web pages must include a disclaimer stating that the information does not necessarily represent the views of Mercyhurst College.
Antivirus software should be run every time a computer starts up, a portage storage device (flash drive, disk, or CD) is used, or a file is downloaded from the Internet or another computer.
The privacy of electronic mail or voice mail is in general respected, but not guaranteed.
Violations of the above guidelines can result in the loss of account privileges as well as other disciplinary sanctions.
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Claims of copyright infringement must be submitted in writing to Mercyhurst’s designated Copyright Officer, Darci Jones, Director of Libraries. Claims will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Repeated copyright infringement will result in the loss of account privileges as well as other disciplinary sanctions.
1. Violation of Copyright Policy
First Offense
Warning
Deletion of Illegally Downloaded Files
Possible Restriction/Loss of Internet Privileges for One Week
Second Offense
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Service
Written Reprimand
Deletion of Illegally Downloaded Files
Possible Restriction/Loss of Internet Privileges for One Term
2. Excessive Use of Bandwidth/E-Mail
First Offense
Warning
Possible Restriction/Loss of Internet Privileges for One Week
Second Offense
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Service
Written Reprimand
Possible Restriction/Loss of Internet Privileges
The violations and sanctions listed above are presumptive. During adjudication, the technical savvy involved in the violation and the intent of the user will be considered.
Violations of Federal Copyright Laws may result in prosecution of the student(s) involved. In no way does adjudication through the College system exempt a student from prosecution.
